Tampa Bay Weekend Weather: Cooler Days, Chilly Nights

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents and visitors might notice a little nip in the area in the early morning hours this weekend. The first big cold front of the season is heading into the region and it’s expected to bring clear and cooler conditions along with it.

Friday kicks off the weekend with mostly sunny skies throughout the region. The daytime high is expected to reach the mid-80s in most parts of the region, but places like Sarasota may only record highs around 84 degrees. Clear conditions are expected in the overnight hours, but the evening low isn’t expected to even break the 60-degree mark throughout the area.

According to the National Weather Service, Saturday’s the day the cold front’s effects will be felt the greatest. The day is expected to kick off with sunny conditions, but the high is only forecast to reach the mid-70s throughout the region. Clear skies are anticipated in the overnight hours with a low in the lower 50s likely.

Things are expected to start warming up again on Sunday, but not significantly. Sunny conditions and a high in the upper 70s are forecast. Mostly clear skies are expected in the overnight hours with a high in the upper 50s.

Rain and severe conditions are not in the forecast for the weekend ahead. The weather service does, however, warn that winds associated with the cold front could create hazardous conditions for small craft operators on Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor waters. Those windy conditions are expected to return Saturday with a secondary dry cold front bringing them back mid-week next week.

A Beach Hazards Statement is also in effect for coastal areas along Manatee and Sarasota counties. A red tide bloom in waters off both counties and Pinellas, as well, has been creating some respiratory irritation issues for beachgoers. Fish kills have also been reported. To check on the status of local beaches before heading out, use Mote Marine Laboratory’s online tracking tool. To find out more about red tide and its presence in Florida, visit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission online.

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